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Barritt back to start against Munster

Saracens welcome back Brad Barritt after nearly two months out for this weekend’s crucial game against Munster in the Champions Cup.

Barritt picked up a calf strain while playing for England against Australia during the November Tests, and has not featured for Sarries since.

However he will come straight back into the starting lineup for the round five game against Munster at Allianz Park.

Fly-halves Owen Farrell and Charlie Hodgson are also fit again for the clash. Saracens are currently second in Pool One, and need a win to set up a round six decider away to Clermont a week later.

“Owen, Charlie and Brad will be fine,” director of rugby Mark McCall said.

“It’s a massive boost having Brad back, we haven’t seen him since the autumn. To get a player of his quality back for a game like this is massive. He will be ready to start.

“In your biggest games you want your best players and Test match animals. Brad’s last game against Australia was, for me, one of the bravest and most physical performances I’ve seen by anyone, never mind a centre.

“If we get something like that on Saturday it will be pretty good, but it’s a tall order because he hasn’t played for a while.”